Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Root Canals can be essential to oral health care. Some people think they are painful, but that's just a myth. Root canals actually relieve pain. Modern technology has come a long way, allowing your Naperville, IL, dentist, Dr. Pirooz Zomorrodi, to treat your tooth pain.

People need a root canal when a cavity is deep enough to infiltrate the enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp, causing pain. Your Naperville dentist will need to remove the pulp, clean and disinfect the canal from any bacteria remaining, then seal the canal to prevent any more bacteria from entering.

A tooth consists of four layers. The outermost layer is enamel. It's the white part of the tooth and also happens to be the strongest part. The second layer, under the enamel, is called dentin. This layer is a yellow, softer layer. The third layer of the tooth is called pulp. It consists of blood vessels and nerves. The last layer is the cementum. It anchors the whole tooth to the jawbone.

One of the main reasons people end up needing a root canal is because of poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, then you will suffer from plaque and tartar building up. Some things you can do to maintain good dental health include:

• Getting professional dental cleanings and checkups every six months to remove hardened plaque that's accumulated on teeth and around gums over time
• Flossing at least once before bed will remove food debris
• Avoiding tobacco, smoking, and drinking too much coffee and tea
• Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, at least, while holding the brush at a 40-degree angle to clean hard-to-reach areas

If you have any questions or concerns about root canals, don't hesitate to call your dentist Dr. Zomorrodi in Naperville, IL. You can also schedule an appointment at this number: (630) 358-9899.